Following a successful end to the league season with the Senior boys winning 3 out of the 5 games, our semi-final opponents were Ramsey with the game being played in the always-sunny north. Ramsey went on the attack in the early exchanges but the St. Ninian’s defence stood up well and thwarted a series of drives. Eventually the pressure was too much however, and RGS went over twice in quick succession, converting one, to take a 12-0 lead. The Saints fought back well creating a number of chances but just fell at the final hurdle. Peter Lloyd thought he’d scored just before the half time whistle after a brilliant run down the left wing but was adjudged to have been tackled before the line.
The second half started well with the Saints pushing hard for a score, but got caught on the counter attack and conceded another converted try. But from the kick came a spell of pressure with De Beer and McClean making ground and Lally and Leece both kicking intelligently into space. Alex Conde collected a lineout and set up a drive for the line which was finished off by De Beer for a well deserved try. A few lads started to tire under the huge physicality of the match and the Grammar School boys ran over once more to seal the game 26-5. At the end, the RGS coach congratulated the Saints’ boys on an impressive display and was amazed at the improvement shown in such a short space of time, a sentiment echoed by Mr Kelly. Good luck to Ramsey in the final.
All in all, a great season comes to an end on the same pitch it started, but with the team in a much better place! Mentions should be made to a few lads who stepped up having little rugby experience, Peter Lloyd, John Reynolds, Alex Conde, Spencer Clarke and James Leece – your contributions were incredible. Also to some of the stand out players of the season, Sam Barnett, Ben Wilkinson, Euan Dean, Josh Modin and in particular Cole Donnelly and Stephan De Beer who were simply brilliant! Well done to everyone involved this year.
Score: RGS 26-5 SNHS
Try: De Beer
MotM: De Beer
Mr M Kelly
Assistant Head of PE